the dominion - march 2015

THE OUTLOOK

Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc. The Outlook - March 2015 1

VOLUME VII ISSUE IIINEWS FOR THE RESIDENTS OF THE DOMINION March 2015

Fertilizing (To Do or Not To Do)Often I read “peer” sales literature stating late winter and

early spring is the time to “feed” your plants. Really? By way of analogy, let us consider that advice. Does it mean when you are excruciatingly hungry, it’s time to stuff a half pound of supplemental vitamins down your throat versus a half-pound cheeseburger? If so, then it appears to me that they have minimal understanding of plant needs and when needed. The only true plant food is made by the plant itself with the help of water and sunshine; vitamins and minerals (fertilizer) can enhance the plant’s natural abilities.

Another “painful” misinterpretation to me is the archaic, crop-raising and agricultural originating designator that any bag of fertilizer with the three macro nutrients (N,P,K) is a “complete” fertilizer. The inclusion of macro nutrients, which we need more quantity than any other nutrients, does not fill out a plant diet any better than if you or I were to only eat carbs, protein, and fats. The vitamins and minerals in fruits, vegetables, etc. are extremely important in so many aspects of maintaining one’s health. Plants also have secondary nutrients (moderate levels needed of Mg & Ca) plus there are seven essential elements or micro-nutrients that tend to be most notably deficient; basically, these are unavailable due to clay soil which is rather prevalent in our area; iron and manganese are at top of the list.

So here is some practical info and advice. Mulch all of your leaves and grass clippings as they provide nutrients. A mulching mower driven slowly with several passes and sharp blades does

a great job of helping Mother Nature replenish the nutrients needed. Reframe from using anything that is a “weed & feed” topping! Synthetic junk wreaks havoc on your plants and wallet in the long term.

Briefly, synthetic products that rhyme with “scotts” turn into salts after they do their thing. These salts slowly sterilize your soil – i.e.: kill the beneficial bacteria, microorganism, nematodes, and mycorrhizae that make up the natural plant life-cycle. When the cycle is broken, you have to spend money on more fertilizer, more herbicides, more insecticides, and eventually more on a new turf.

I highly recommend you use organic or natural products only or at least mostly. For significantly shallow topsoil, it is best to put a four way mix soil down every year in appropriate areas at a rate of 1/3rd of an inch. Use a topsoil turf-dressing when less is needed; you must mix in some compost into this application equal to 15-20% of the total application.

Feel that urge to use a fertilizer on your turf? Try Medina Hasta Lawn. Do you have plants that tend to have yellow leaves? Or, don’t fight off bugs well? Are generally stressed? Find the micro-nutrient product that works best from among these suggested manufacturers: Medina, Espoma, Fertilome, Natures Way, Watson Farms, Ladybug to name a few.

Next month, oak wilt and community response to it will be the primary topic. Any questions or comments on this article, or previous articles, send to [email protected].

THE OUTLOOK

2 The Outlook - March 2015 Copyright © 2015 Peel, Inc.

EMERGENCY NUMBERSEMERGENCY ...............................................................911Fire ...................................................................................... 911Ambulance .......................................................................... 911Police Dept – Non-Emergency ............................210-207-7273Fire Dept – Non-Emergency ...............................210-207-7744DOMINION SECURITYChief of Security .................................................210-268-9932Main Gate ...............................210-698-2997 or 210-698-2998North Gate ..........................................................210-698-7812South Gate ..............................210-698-5323 or 210-698-0041CITYCity Customer Service .........................................210-207-6400Solid Waste (Trash) .............................................210-207-6428OTHER NUMBERSCedar Elm Postal Office ......................................210-641-0248NEWSLETTER PUBLISHERPeel, Inc. .............................................................512-263-9181Advertising ........................................... [email protected]

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

MISSION STATEMENTThe Outlook, For The Dominion

The mission of The Outlook is to provide The Dominion Community with one source of local news content that is written by Dominion residents. Our goal is to help build the community by connecting local businesses with residents and residents with relevant neighborhood information.

"Be the community."

Please support the advertisers that make The Outlook possible. If you would like to support the newsletter by advertising, please contact our sales office at 888-687-6444 or [email protected]. The advertising deadline is the 8th of the month prior to the issue.

ADVERTISING INFO

ARTICLE INFO The Outlook is mailed monthly to all Dominion residents. Residents, community groups, churches, etc. are welcome to include information about their organizations in the newsletter. Personal news for the Stork Report, Teenage Job Seekers, recipes, special celebrations, and birthday announcements are also welcome.

To submit an article for The Outlook, please email it to [email protected]. The deadline is the 20th of the month prior to the issue.

TRINITY GLEN ROSE GROUNDWATER

CONSERVATION DISTRICT WATER CONSERVATION AUDIT

Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater Conservation District (TGRGCD) would like to ask for your continued help in reducing demand on groundwater resources. We offer a free on-site consultation to identify problems areas that could be resulting in higher water usage to home or business owners residing within our District. Following the visit, we offer recommendations to help reduce water usage both inside and outside the home and a “goody” bag full of conservation-related items, including a hose timer, moisture meter, and low-flow showerhead.

Please contact us at 210-698-1155 with questions, or to schedule a free in-home audit!

To learn more about Trinity Glen Rose Groundwater Conservation District, please visit us at www.trinityglenrose.com.

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THE OUTLOOK


THE OUTLOOK


• 3 medium apples, peeled & thinly sliced

• 1/4 Cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar• 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons

cinnamon• 3 cups flour• 2 cups sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder• 1 teaspoon salt• 4 eggs, beaten• 1 cup vegetable oil• 1/4 cup orange juice• 1 tablespoon vanilla

Combine first 3 ingredients, tossing well. Set aside. Combine flour, 2 cups sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Combine next 4 ingredients; add to flour mixture, mixing well. Pour 1/3 of batter into a greased and floured 10 inch tube pan. Top with half of the thinly sliced apples, leaving a 1/2” margin around center and sides. Repeat layering, ending with batter on top. Bake at 350° for 1 hour or until a wooden pick comes out clean. Cool in pan 10-15 minutes; then remove from pan. Let cool completely. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, if desired.

Apple Cake

THE OUTLOOK


Whether you’re an avid sportsman, an adventurous family, or

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island community boasts bayfront homesites with optimal

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coastal lifestyle. Each homesite can have either its own boat

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Hal Jones Development reserves the right to make changes without notice. No guarantee is made that the proposed features will be constructed, or that if constructed, will be of the number and type described. These materials shall not constitute an offer in any state where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. For unimproved lots at The Reserve at Lake Travis, obtain the property report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of these properties. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR QUALIFIED THIS OFFERING.

THE OUTLOOK


NATUREWATCHby Jim and Lynne Weber

A DESCENT OF WOODPECKERS

Known for creeping up tree trunks and drilling into wood to nest and find food, woodpeckers are arboreal birds having a ver t ica l posture, rounded wings, a chisel-shaped bill, short legs with strong claws, and stiff tail feathers. These features enable them to climb, prey on insects, and feed on nuts and fruits.

A woodpecker uses its tail for support as it moves up a tree trunk. Stiff, pointed tail feathers reinforced with longitudinal ridges also have

small barbs that curve inward towards the tree, allowing the bird to use its tail as a brace. Its feet are ‘zygodactyl’, meaning two toes facing forward and two toes facing backward, which helps support it when clinging to vertical surfaces. While all woodpecker bills are chisel-shaped, differences in curvature are based on the hardness of the species of wood it excavates as well as the hammering force it uses. Tongues are also specialized in that they are barbed, sticky, and extremely long for the bird’s head, which reduces the amount of excavation required for foraging.

One of the most common and noticeable species of woodpecker in our area is the Ladder-backed Woodpecker (Picoides scalaris), which has a black and white barred back, spotted sides, and a face marked with black lines. The males also sport an extensive reddish crown, while the female’s crown is black. While it can nest in several types of trees, it most often nests in tall cactus in the western part of the state, giving it the old name of ‘cactus woodpecker.’ Ladder-backed woodpeckers

Ladder-backed Woodpecker (adult male)

Golden-fronted Woodpecker (adult male)

feed on beetle larvae from small trees, but will also eat prickly pear cactus fruits (tunas) and forage on the ground for insects. When gleaning for insects in trees, the larger male probes and pecks on trunks and larger limbs with his stouter bill, while the female more often concentrates on gleaning bark surfaces on higher branches and outer twigs.

The Golden- f ronted Woodpecker (Melanerpes aurifrons) also has a black and white barred back, but a creamy white to pale yellow breast, a golden orange nape, and a small red cap on the male. A bird found west of the Balcones Escarpment, in flight they show white wing patches, a white rump, and a black tail, often calling as the glide from tree to tree. They feed on insects, nuts (especially pecans), berries, acorns, and a wide variety of other food items, and only sometimes cache food in bark crevices.

East of the Balcones Escarpment, the Red-bellied Woodpecker (Merlanerpes carolinus) has a similarly patterned black and white barred back, barred central tail feathers, and a namesake small reddish patch or tinge on the belly that is often hard to spot. The males have a solid red crown and nape, while the females only have a red nape. Common in open woodlands, suburban areas, and parks, these woodpeckers are often seen hitching along branches and tree trunks, sometimes wedging large nuts into bark crevices and whacking them into manageable pieces using their pointed beaks.

All woodpecker species use simple calls and drumming against tree trunks to communicate. While the drumming is not a sure-fire way to identify a particular species, it can help you locate an individual bird, and maybe even a flock or descent of woodpeckers!

Send your nature-related questions to [email protected] and we’ll do our best to answer them. Check out our blog at naturewatchaustin.blogspot.com if you enjoy reading these articles!

Red-bellied Woodpecker (adult

female)

THE OUTLOOK


NOW TAKING

RESERVATIONS FOR

SPRING BREAK

NOW TAKING

RESERVATIONS FOR

THE HOLIDAYS

THE OUTLOOK


CROSSWORD PUZZLE

View answers online at www.peelinc.com

ACROSS1. Extremity 4. Nun's headwear 10. Men's neckwear 11. Asian nation 12. Limited (abbr.) 13. Serf 14. Flower 16. Poem 17. Monetary unit 18. Atomic number 20. Paid (abbr.) 22. Package label 26. Punching tool 29. Esc 31. Fine 33. Modern 34. Cat mystery writer

Braun 35. Lingerie 36. Elevate 37. Sign language

DOWN1. Reference book 2. Swanky 3. Award 4. Marry 5. Abraham's son 6. Mr..'s wife 7. El __ (Texas city) 8. Precede 9. Women's magazine 15. Brim 19. American Football Conference (abbr.) 21. Coffee shop order 23. Ballroom dancing 24. Aromas 25. Particular style 26. American Civil Liberties Union (abbr.) 27. Lash 28. Lounge 30. Delivered by post 32. Roman three

Crossword Puzzle


ACROSS1. Extremity 4. Nun's headwear 10. Men's neckwear 11. Asian nation 12. Limited (abbr.) 13. Serf 14. Flower 16. Poem 17. Monetary unit 18. Atomic number 20. Paid (abbr.) 22. Package label 26. Punching tool 29. Esc 31. Fine 33. Modern 34. Cat mystery writer

Braun 35. Lingerie 36. Elevate 37. Sign language

DOWN1. Reference book 2. Swanky 3. Award 4. Marry 5. Abraham's son 6. Mr..'s wife 7. El __ (Texas city) 8. Precede 9. Women's magazine 15. Brim 19. American Football Conference (abbr.) 21. Coffee shop order 23. Ballroom dancing 24. Aromas 25. Particular style 26. American Civil Liberties Union (abbr.) 27. Lash 28. Lounge 30. Delivered by post 32. Roman three

Crossword Puzzle


ACROSS1. Charge 5. Syrian bishop 9. Against 10. Landing 11. Leaves 12. Boom box 13. Allure 15. African antelope 16. Polite 18. Leafy green 21. Marry 22. Esophagus 26. Woken 28. Goad 29. Type of tooth 30. Refer 31. Posttraumatic stress

disorder 32. Sieve

DOWN1. Nativity scene piece 2. Competition at the Greek

games 3. Capital of the Ukraine 4. Symbol 5. Expression of surprise 6. Emblem 7. Pickle juice 8. A ball out of bounds (2 wds.) 10. Twist violently 14. Ripper 17. Strums 18. Slough 19. Ross ___, philanthropist 20. Gods 23. Brand of sandwich cookie 24. Seaweed substance 25. Cabana 27. Blue

Crossword Puzzle


We’ve all been trained to work our “abs” to look thinner and because everyone is supposed to do crunches! But the truth is our core is so critical to our entire body’s health, performance and level of pain and the abs are just a component of a larger, sophisticated piece made up of also the glutes, hips, sides and back muscles (think spinal stabilizers). And a strong core isn’t just so we can look good, but it’s instrumental to our balance, how we move, sit and more.

Pain in the back and other body parts could be a warning sign that key stabilizer muscles are imbalanced, inflexible or unconditioned to do their job well. In this modern society where many of us sit for prolonged periods for work, school or in flight, it is crucial that we’re aware of our core’s role in everything we do and that we work hard to maximize its strength now and as we age. A flexible and strong core is necessary for:• Less injury and pain overall• Better day to day life performance (shoveling, carrying

groceries, navigating slippery terrain)• Improved athletic performance and efficiency• Balance• Looking tighter• Posture

The absolute best way to get a strong core is through full body, functional fitness that trains the core to work well in conjunction with the entire body. Crunches will give you abdominal endurance and some strength in the front region, but planks, Pilates, loaded squats, kettlebells and other exercises introducing instability and imbalance will get the job done much more efficiently and effectively as they work the entire core (and they are likely more fun, too!).

If you have questions about how to get on the right track, do some research and work with a trainer who will design a plan that is right for you.

To your core health!

Renee Geist, Renegade Inside Out Solutions, [email protected], www.facebook.com/ReniosRenee, 512.461.6114

THE CORE OF THE MATTER

FITNESSCORNER

THE OUTLOOK


THE OUTLOOK


The Modern Game: “The Overhead from the Baseline”

By USPTA/PTR Master Professional Fernando Velasco

TENNISTIPS

Look in the next Newsletter for: “Tips on how to start children playing tennis”

In previous newsletters, I offered tips on how to execute the basic strokes for players who are just beginning to play tennis or who want to resume playing.

I am now offering suggestions on how to play the “modern” game mostly geared towards players who are happy with hitting the ball over the net and controlling the point with consistency. These players may already be playing for leagues or in tournaments and are looking for more “weapons” on the court.

In this issue, I will offer instructions on how to execute “The Overhead from the Baseline.” This shot is used when an opponent gives the player a deep lob and it lands back on the baseline and it has enough height to be able to get on top of the ball for an overhead “smash.”

In the illustrations, Fernando Velasco, Director of Tennis and teacher at The Grey Rock Tennis Club, shows the proper technique to execute this stroke. Velasco is presently ranked #1 in Singles and Doubles in the USTA Men’s 70 Division in Texas, and #15 in Singles

and #7 and #11 in Doubles in the US. Step 1: The Back Swing: When Fernando sees the opportunity, he

makes a quick turn of his upper body and takes the racket high and back. The head of the racket is now at shoulder height, his shoulders are turned, and his eyes are focused on the incoming ball. His left arm is high and his finger is pointing to the incoming ball. His weight is in his back foot and his grip is in the same position as a serve.

Step 2: The Point of Contact: The acceleration of the head of the racket began from the back is now making contact on the upper part of the ball. Fernando is keeping his head still and his eyes are focused on the point of contact, not on the target. His wrist started relaxed, but will “snap” upon contact with the ball.

Step 3 and 4: The Follow Through: The success of an overhead from the baseline is to extend the follow through as long as possible. Different from the serve, Fernando will aim high of over the net and hope for the ball to land as close to the opponent’s baseline as possible. His weight is now forward ready to react to the opponent’s return.

THE OUTLOOK


5:23 pm

Your Community at Your Fingertips

Download the Peel, Inc. App Available for Your iPhone and iPad

www.peelinc.com512.263.9181

5:23 pm

THE OUTLOOK


Attention KIDS: Send Us Your Masterpiece!

DM

Color the drawing below and mail the finished artwork to us at:Peel, Inc. - Kids Club308 Meadowlark St

Lakeway, TX 78734-4717We will select the top few and post their artwork on our Facebook Page - Facebook.com/PeelInc.

DUE: March 31st

Be sure to include the following so we can let you know!

Name: _______________________________

(first name, last initial)

Age:________________

THE OUTLOOK


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THE OUTLOOK


DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser.* The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising.* Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/correction.* Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above.* The Dominion HOA does not endorse any of the advertisers contained in The Outlook.

At no time will any source be allowed to use The Outlook contents, or loan said contents, to others in anyway, shape or form, nor in any media, website, print, film, e-mail, electrostatic copy, fax, or etc. for the purpose of solicitation, commercial use, or any use for profit, political campaigns, or other self amplification, under penalty of law without written or expressed permission from Peel, Inc. The information in The Outlook is exclusively for the private use of Peel, Inc.

Submit your news at:www.peelinc.com

WANTED: Looking for a small year-round hunting lease for my small family of four. Turkey, deer and/or hogs. Preferably within two hours of Austin. Bow hunter and hunter education certified. I’m wanting to continue teaching my children about outdoor education and spending quality time with them outdoors. 512-589-5471.

ROTARY CLUB OF FAIR OAKS RANCH

meets weekly at noon at the Fair Oaks Ranch Golf and Country Club.

The Rotary Club facilitates the Meals On wheels service for the City and surroundsand is always

looking for folks who need that service.

Fran [email protected] | 210-414-1981

mailto:[email protected]

THE OUTLOOK


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THE OUTLOOK


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PAIDPEEL, INC.

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308 Meadowlark St.Lakeway, TX 78734-4717

the dominion - march 2015

Documents

minerals fertilizer

macro nutrients n

inclusion of macro nutrients

bag of fertilizer

plants natural abilities

complete fertilizer

plant diet

natural plant lifecycle